Murphy, 66, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor violation of government conduct law during a hearing that was choppy, long and sometimes testy. In exchange for that plea, special prosecutor Matt Chandler agreed that the state would drop five felony counts levied against Murphy in 2011. Those counts included bribery, solicitation and witness intimidation.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Leslie C. Smith, who presided over the state case, sentenced Murphy to 364 days supervised probation and 200 days of community service. He's also prohibited from seeking public office - something Murphy agreed to when he resigned from the bench last year - and from stepping foot inside the Las Cruces courthouse where the alleged crimes occurred.

A grand jury indictment alleged that Murphy in 2007 told an aspiring judge that for an appointment to the bench she had to donate to the party through prominent local Democrat Edgar Lopez. Prosecutors suggested that money would be funneled to Richardson. Lopez and Richardson adamantly denied those claims. Neither has been charged.

Another judge and Democrat, Lisa Schultz, brought those claims to the attention of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez in 2010, then the district attorney. As she ran for governor, Martinez promised to clean up state corruption.

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She appointed Chandler, the Clovis district attorney, as a special prosecutor for the case.

In the course of the nearly three-year investigation, prosecutors implied that Murphy considered bribes to be a tradition in New Mexico.

But those related alleged felonies were dropped, not part of the misdemeanor to which Murphy pleaded no contest. That charge, which had at one point been dismissed by a defense motion, is related to disparaging comments Murphy made toward homosexuals in a taped conversation with Schultz, an open lesbian.

Chandler said he had confidence in the strength of the evidence, but reasoned that Murphy likely would not receive jail time and could appeal any conviction. This route, he said, would brand Murphy a "convicted criminal" and help restore the image of the judiciary. He added that some witness were uncooperative, a byproduct of Murphy's influence.

"This really boils down to a case of corruption," Chandler said to Smith. "Left unchecked, it can cripple a judicial system."

Wrote Stout in an email to the Sun-News: "This wasn't a benefit to Judge Murphy but a face-saving deal for the prosecution. The prosecution, not Judge Murphy, got the benefit of the bargain because it was given a conviction for a misdemeanor that it couldn't get otherwise.

"Judge Murphy only got what he was going to get anyway, a victory on all charges. The state did not have a case and this is their way out. At least Judge Murphy can have this ended."

Aside from entering his plea and responding to Smith's mostly procedural questions, Murphy said little.

"I have taken responsibility for having a loud mouth," Murphy said. " ... the nuance and delusion put together in this case is just that."

When asked by Smith if Murphy thought a "reasonable" jury could convict him, Murphy said a jury could, but "I'm not convinced."

Murphy declined to speak to reporters after the hearing. In a prepared statement he thanked supporters and expressed relief that the "false prosecution" has ended with the serious charges dismissed.

"I apologize for my injudicious comments," Murphy's statement said, "but I hope that the system will improve from my experience."

After the hearing, Chandler dismissed that suggestion the case was politically motivated, saying that fellow Democrats first disclosed to prosecutors the allegations against Murphy.

Chandler, who has run for attorney general, added pursuing the case was part of his duty as a prosecutor, and that a high-profile plea agreement would have no effect on his future political aspirations.

For Murphy, Stout said, the fallout from the dropped charges has been significant.

When charges arose, Murphy was suspend from the court. Later the Judicial Standards Commission investigated the "offensive" comments he made to Schultz. Murphy resigned his judgeship, saying he couldn't defend himself in both cases. The JSC agreed to drop the investigation if

Murphy promised never to seek or hold another position on the bench.

Stout said in court that Murphy lost his reputation, retirement, savings and health insurance because of "false charges."

Smith did not impose a fine or travel restrictions on Murphy, both common elements of plea agreements and probation.

Despite Chandler's objections, Smith allowed Murphy's court-ordered community service to take place in the legal field. Murphy is no longer licensed to practice law, so there are limitations, but he could educate groups about legal issues, Smith said.

That disappointed Chandler. When asked if he'd rather see Murphy serving meals or clearing trash as part of community service, Chandler replied, "I think he'd be better at that than giving legal advice."

James Staley may be reached at 575-541-5476. Follow him on Twitter @auguststaley

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